Natai Beach Resort & Spa, Phang-nga

Characterized by warm wood shades, vibrant splashes of color, and Thai touches, the Maikhao Dream Resort & Spa sits along the gorgeous Natai Beach, around an hour from the chaos of Phuket town. Guests arrive at a grandiose lobby located in a traditional open-air Thai pavilion, complete with vaulted ceilings, huge gold pillars, gray marble and wooden flooring, and traditional Thai statues. Natai Restaurant is elegant and sophisticated, with hanging flights, rock pillars, and light-wood flooring, while Leelavadee offers beachfront dining. The modern Thai decor carries over to the 106 rooms, some guests have expressed disappointment at evident wear and occasional maintenance issues. As the resort is relatively isolated, and there are few restaurants within walking distance, it appeals to couples and families seeking solitude amid stunning natural beauty. 

Set along the golden sand of Natai Beach in the tranquil area of Khok Kloi, Maikhao Dream Resort is over an hour by car from Phuket town and the tourist enclave of Patong. Meanwhile, Phuket International Airport is a 25-minute drive south, and Ao Phang Nga National Park is around 40 minutes. The resort is relatively isolated, with just a few restaurants and convenience stores within walking distance. The restaurants of Khok Kloi town are around a 15-minute drive away. 

Maikhao Dream Resort has a wide range of bright, modern, and elegant rooms with Thai decorative elements. Most have white wooden furniture, light-wood floors, hanging bedside lamps, white walls with circular hangings, and neutral-tone seating. Orange and brown or lime-green throw pillows and bed runners add pops of color. More decorative are the fishermen village-themed, two-story Beach Houses that have cement walls contrasted by blue accent walls, orange curtains, and wooden chandeliers with faux candles. All Beach Houses come with gardens or terraces featuring hot tubs and loungers. The resort also offers ground-floor rooms with direct garden or pool access and duplexes with living areas and loft bedrooms.Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and DVD players, sound systems, free Wi-Fi, beach bags, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, desks, safes, and furnished outdoor spaces. Bathrooms come in a variety of designs -- some have striking white-painted bamboo feature walls -- and most have separate bathtubs and walk-in showers, as well as hairdryers, bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries. Deluxe Rooms feature open-plan bathrooms with sliding glass panels that can be kept closed. While modern and tastefully decorated, rooms are showing signs of wear and tear, such as peeling paint and cracks in the walls. A few guests have also reported lack of maintenance such as low water pressure, and broken in-room safes and air conditioners.

The highlight of the resort is its stunning stretch of gold-sand beach. Many guests choose to relax on one of the loungers among palm trees while they sip on a cocktail from the resort’s small hut-like beach bar. Located between the lobby and beach, the stunning swimming pool features six large fountains and comes surrounded by decorative rock formations, as well as loungers and umbrellas. Food and drinks can be ordered from the swim-up bar. Inspired by the revitalizing power of water, the on-site spa’s design incorporates flowing and trickling water elements. A range of massages, beauty treatments such as manicures and pedicures, and facials using world-class Margy’s product line from Monaco are available.The resort’s two dining options, lounge bar, and beachside bar overlook the picturesque Andaman Sea. Predominately done in white, with blue touches, the Leelawadee restaurant serves buffet breakfasts, and a la carte lunches and dinners with a Mediterranean focus. Also beachfront, Natai restaurant specializes in Thai cuisine from different regions of the country. Unfortunately, the resort’s food can be hit or miss. The stylish Firefly Lounge features two separate bars, a pool table, dartboard, and regular live music performances. Meanwhile, the small hut-like beach bar comes with beach bags and loungers directly on the golden sand. A small gym has free weights and cardio machines. Families will be pleased to know that the all-day Monkey Kids Club offers games and toys for children between the ages of 4 and 12, as well as kids under 4 while under parental supervision. An animation team is on hand to organize activities. The resort’s conference facilities include a ballroom for up to 60 people theatre-style, and two meeting rooms. There is also a designated lawn area for open-air functions.